National Museum of African American History and Culture

Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture occupies the final available site on the National Mall, prominently located adjacent to the Washington Monument between the National Museum of American History and 15th Street in Washington, D.C. Since its completion and opening to the public, the museum has become a major cultural landmark and gathering place for ceremonies, performances, and exhibitions that honor and interpret African American history and culture.

The museum’s design is inspired by the classical tripartite column of plinth, shaft, and capital, it draws heavily from Yoruban art and architecture. Its iconic bronze corona form evokes a crown, symbolizing resilience, heritage, and the enduring presence of African American culture within the American landscape. The building and site design work together to create a powerful and memorable visitor experience.

Working in close collaboration with Gustafson Guthrie Nichol, JBC Landscape Architects provided an integrated systems approach that combines biologically based agronomic design, water harvesting, and reuse through smart irrigation technologies. These systems support a highly resilient landscape that functions as a living infrastructure, seamlessly integrating force protection, visitor circulation, and sustainable water management. Throughout the site, dynamic water processes are visible at multiple elevations, reinforcing the museum’s connection to natural systems. The landscape operates entirely on non-potable water in alignment with LEED standards, contributing to the project’s achievement of a high level of sustainability performance.

Collaborators:

GGN